Visiting the elderly, and ill patients

Residents in retirement and assisted living homes may feel placed in a supplicant position. They may feel useless, while unable to contribute. The therapy dog communicates through body language: "Please play with me and pet me. Give me a treat or accompany me on a walk." Each person, regardless of his/her current state or mood, interests the therapy dog. The therapy dog who feels comfortable at work gives free reign to his/her capabilities as ice breaker, stress reducer, bridge builder, and meets the needs of those visited. The dog doesn't judge, and is patient, sensitive, tender and attuned to visitees.